Jose is a digital product manager with a background in design and innovation. A graduate of the MA Innovation Management at Central Saint Martins, class of 2017.
Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am a Digital Experience Product Manager with a background in FMCG, Fine Arts, Public Sector, and Luxury. My career has been driven by a passion for innovation, user-centred design, and digital transformation. With a strong foundation in both creative and strategic disciplines, I have worked on developing digital and physical products and experiences that bridge technology, business, and human behaviour. My experience spans industries where brand storytelling, consumer engagement, and digital evolution play a key role in shaping products and experiences.
Why did you choose to study Innovation Management at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
MA Innovation Management at CSM stood out as the perfect intersection between creativity, business strategy, and technology. I was drawn to its interdisciplinary approach, which allowed me to explore how innovation can drive change across different industries. The part-time structure allowed me to work and apply what I was learning in real time. Also, the programme’s emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving provided an ideal environment to challenge conventional approaches and explore new ways of thinking.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating, I have worked across multiple industries, bringing an innovation-led approach to digital experiences, branding, and consumer engagement. I started as an Innovation Specialist at a global FMCG company, where I focused on digital transformation, consumer insights, and product innovation. This role allowed me to explore how large-scale organisations can embed innovation into their core strategies.
I have also gained experience in digital product management, branding, and consulting, particularly within the public sector, fine arts, and luxury markets working with different businesses to develop digital-first brand strategies, optimise user experiences, and leverage emerging technologies like AI to enhance customer engagement.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
Led and implemented the first online crowdsourcing innovation platform in an FMCG company, addressing business needs across different divisions, from product to process, marketing to supply chain and R&D.
Created a full incremental division based on the identification of new business opportunities in a new category.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Be open to exploring ideas outside of your comfort zone and embrace collaboration and uncertainty. Research and insights are fundamental to innovation, understanding user needs, market trends, and emerging technologies is what allows ideas to evolve into impactful solutions.
The course provides you with the tools, methodologies, and approaches to explore these insights deeply—from design thinking to strategic foresight. It is designed to push you to think critically, challenge existing frameworks, and develop a strategic mindset. Innovation is not just about new ideas—it’s about creating impact, and the best way to do that is by engaging with different perspectives, testing hypotheses, and continuously iterating.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
The collaborative environment and exposure to a diverse network of creative thinkers were the biggest highlights. Working alongside designers, strategists, graphic designers, etc., provided a unique learning experience that went beyond the classroom. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and present our work in real-world settings was incredibly rewarding.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
The ability to balance creativity with strategic thinking. Innovation isn’t just about generating ideas; it’s about understanding how to implement them effectively in different contexts. The course taught me how to navigate complex challenges and develop solutions that are visionary, impactful, and practical.
Connect with Jose on LinkedIn